Description

1916 D381 Ferguson Bakery Walter Johnson SGC 30 - Newly
Discovered and Only Copy Known!Although 95 years old, the
offered example was a discovery made in the last year and is the
only example known to exist! Being the first and only confirmed
copy, coupled with the fact that the subject is one of the greatest
names of our National Pastime, one would think it would rank as a
triumphant victory on a par with acquiring the '32 US Caramels
Lindstrom or R306 Butter Cream Ruth for even the most advanced
vintage card hobbyist. Standing shoulder to shoulder next to the
names Cobb, Wagner, and Jackson is the Washington Senators' mound
master Walter Johnson. So outstanding was his career that he was
one of the first five players to be inducted into Baseball's Hall
of Fame in 1936. A Connecticut arms laboratory recorded Walter
Johnson's fastball at 134 feet per second. That is equal to
ninety-nine miles per hour, a speed the lanky farm boy was somehow
able to generate with a smooth side-armed motion that baffled and
terrified opposing batters. In the blink of an eye--it was over.
New York Highlanders outfielder Birdie Cree provided his own
methodology for handling Johnson's speed: "When you see the arm
start forward, swing." It was said that, "...[Johnson was]
the most threatening sight I ever saw in the ball field." This
quote comes from the hardened Ty Cobb in 1907 when Walter was a
mere rookie "fresh off the farm." His 3,500+ strikeouts and 417
victories proved the irascible Cobb's words rather prophetic.

The condition of this unique gem almost seems irrelevant. The 2-3/4
x 4-3/4" piece of thin card stock shows minor corner wear and light
overall creasing to account for the SGC 30 Good 2
assessment. The original bottom tab has been removed and presumed
to have been exchanged for a long lost album to house the cards.
The regal portrait of one of the sports' great athletes on the
field and gentlemen off the field is practically unaffected
visually. A truly unique offering!

Only 8 days left to consign to the 2018 April 19-20 Spring Sports Card Catalog Auction!

Learn about consigning with us

I am completely satisfied, more to the point, absolutely ecstatic, about not only the proceeds but the wonderful professional manner every aspect of my little consignment was handled.
Bill R.,Green Bay, WI